Tree Vandals Strike Again Manning Waters Reserve “I am very disappointed by the deliberate act of vandalism to mature trees within the foreshore area at the Manning Waters Reserve at Taree West,” stated Greater Taree City Council Mayor Paul Hogan. “In this most recent incident, over twenty native trees have been cut off at stump level and dumped into the bushland adjoining the Manning River.” In addition to the obvious environmental impacts, the Mayor advised that there is a cost to the community in the form of staff time spent investigating these incidents, and in the removal and replacement of the damaged trees. “The continued vandalism at the Manning Waters Reserve is also unfair to the rest of the community who visit the area to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings,” he concluded. “The removal or pruning of vegetation on public land requires approval from Council,” said Council’s Senior Leader Strategic Planning, Richard Pamplin. “Unauthorised damage to vegetation is taken very seriously by Council, and the deliberate killing or pruning of trees and other vegetation on public land without approval is illegal, and can attract substantial penalties, and in some cases, imprisonment.” Mr Pamplin added that the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage through its compliance arm, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), is also assisting Council with their investigations into this incident with a view to identifying those responsible. Council is also considering implementing a number of measures to help deter future acts of vandalism at the reserve including the placement of remotely accessed security cameras, and the erection of signage and protective fencing. Council is hopeful that the damaged trees will regenerate over time and would be keen to see local residents interested in protecting and enhancing this area to form a Landcare group. “Anyone with information on the identity of the vandals should report it to Council on 6592 5399,” advised Mr Pamplin.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Jul 2013 00:08:45 +0000
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